Knowshon Moreno

{{Short description|American football player (born 1987)}}

{{Use American English|date=November 2023}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}

{{Infobox NFL biography

| name = Knowshon Moreno

| image = Knowshon Moreno by Gage Skidmore.jpg

| caption = Moreno in 2023

| current_team =

| number = 27, 28

| position = Running back

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|7|16}}

| birth_place = Belford, New Jersey, U.S.

| height_ft = 5

| height_in = 11

| weight_lbs = 218

| high_school = Middletown South
(Middletown, New Jersey)

| college = Georgia (2006–2008)

| draftyear = 2009

| draftround = 1

| draftpick = 12

| pastteams = * Denver Broncos ({{NFL Year|2009}}–{{NFL Year|2013}})

| status =

| highlights = * PFWA All-Rookie Team (2009)

| statweek =

| statseason =

| statlabel1 = Rushing attempts

| statvalue1 = 876

| statlabel2 = Rushing yards

| statvalue2 = 3,616

| statlabel3 = Rushing touchdowns

| statvalue3 = 27

| statlabel4 = Receptions

| statvalue4 = 158

| statlabel5 = Receiving yards

| statvalue5 = 1,409

| statlabel6 = Receiving touchdowns

| statvalue6 = 9

| pfr = MoreKn00

}}

Knowshon Rockwell Moreno (born July 16, 1987) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs, earning first-team All-American honors in 2008. He was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. He also played for the Miami Dolphins.

Early life

Moreno grew up in Belford, a neighborhood in Middletown Township, New Jersey. His parents are Freddie Moreno, who is of Puerto Rican descent and a former member of the Five-Percent Nation,{{Cite web |last=Layden |first=Tim |date=January 8, 2014 |title=There's a story behind Knowshon Moreno's tears |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20140108/knowshon-moreno/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109015421/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20140108/knowshon-moreno/ |archive-date=January 9, 2014 |access-date=October 23, 2022 |website=Sports Illustrated}} and Varashon Mcqueen-Moreno who is of African-American descent.{{Citation |last=Strickland |first=Carter |title=Dogs offensive line good, but not great |date=September 25, 2007 |url=http://www.ajc.com/uga/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/09/24/gareport_0925.html |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |quote=Moreno, a 5-foot-11, 173-pound native of Belford, New jersey [...] tied senior Thomas Brown with a team-leading 74 rushing yards during the Bulldogs' 26–23 overtime win. |access-date=October 17, 2007}} At Middletown High School South, he led his team to three Central Jersey Group III championships.{{Citation |last=Wilno |first=Don |title=Jump gets jump on Wesley College; Sanderson helps bowl over Temple |date=September 29, 2007 |url=http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070929/COMMUNITY/709290303/1073/community |work=Asbury Park Press |quote=Redshirt freshman Knowshon Moreno, a graduate of Middletown High School South, tied senior starting kicker Thomas Brown with a 46 yard field-goal in the University of Georgia's 3–2 overtime victory over Alabama at Bryan-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. |access-date=October 17, 2007}} He rushed for 1,629 yards on 153 carries and scored 28 touchdowns in 11 games as a senior.{{Cite web |title=Knowshon Moreno's High School Football Stats |url=http://www.maxpreps.com/athletes/9nOnlIQ8y0uPYe_aQLlBXQ/football-fall-05/stats-knowshon-moreno.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926014712/http://www.maxpreps.com/athletes/9nOnlIQ8y0uPYe_aQLlBXQ/football-fall-05/stats-knowshon-moreno.htm |archive-date=September 26, 2012 |website=MaxPreps.com}} He finished his high school career with 6,268 career rushing yards, 128 touchdowns, and 768 points. His rushing yards are second all-time in New Jersey high school ranks, while he is New Jersey's all-time leading scorer. He also rushed for 420 yards and seven touchdowns in one game against the Neptune Scarlet Fliers.{{Cite news |title=Atlanticville Sports – Page 272 |language=en-US |work=GMNews Archive |url=http://www1.gmnews.com/category/atlanticville-sports/page/272/ |access-date=August 29, 2018}} He also rushed for six touchdowns against the Monmouth Regional Falcons.

While at Middletown South, Moreno was also a top tier sprinter and jumper during the indoor and outdoor track seasons. In fact, he holds multiple school records, including the fastest time for the 100-meter dash at 11.01 seconds. He recorded a PR of 6.73 seconds in the 55 meters at the 2005 Shore Conference Championships, where he placed 4th.{{Cite web |title=Shore Conference Championships – Boys (Raw) |url=http://nj.milesplit.com/meets/9534/results/21145 |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=milesplit.com}} At the 2005 Monmouth County Championships, he captured three state titles, winning the 100 meters (11.1 s), the long jump (6.68 m) and the triple jump (13.38 m).{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Tim |date=May 17, 2005 |title=Moreno, Glackin, Toto stars of county meet |url=http://ind.gmnews.com/news/2005-05-17/Sports/045.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141020113529/http://ind.gmnews.com/news/2005-05-17/Sports/045.html |archive-date=October 20, 2014 |access-date=October 20, 2014 |website=Independent}}

He was the #10 running back and #73 prospect according to Rivals.com, the #9 running back according to Scout.com, and was a PrepStar 200 selection. He was also an EA Sports All-American while being recruited by Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Florida.{{Citation |title=Football coach and players of the year: Thompson, Moreno, Macaluso |date=December 10, 2005 |url=http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051210/SPORTS0101/104030086/-1/SPORTS0103 |work=Asbury Park Press |quote=...and has schools such as Georgia, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Florida and Oklahoma pursuing him. |access-date=October 1, 2008}} Moreno eventually signed his letter of intent to Georgia.{{Cite news |title=Knowshon Moreno, Middletown South, Running Back |language=en-US |work=24/7 Sports |url=https://247sports.com/Player/Knowshon-Moreno-25058/high-school-40369 |access-date=August 29, 2018}}

College career

=2007 season=

Moreno redshirted in 2006, and entered the 2007 season as a redshirt freshman under head coach Mark Richt. After a great spring, Moreno shared time with Thomas Brown as the starting running back in the season opener against Oklahoma State. Moreno totaled 70 yards rushing on 12 carries with two receptions for 51 yards in the 35–14 win.{{Cite web |title=Oklahoma State at Georgia Box Score, September 1, 2007 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-09-01-georgia.html |access-date=August 29, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In the following game against South Carolina, Moreno saw most of the rushing duties with 14 carries for 104 yards in the 12–16 loss.{{Cite news |date=September 17, 2015 |title=The Last Time: Georgia vs. South Carolina |language=en |work=AccessWDUN |url=http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/9/335463/the-last-time-georgia-vs-south-carolina |access-date=August 29, 2018}} In the third game of the season against Western Carolina, Moreno scored his first career college touchdown in a 45–16 win over Western Carolina. His totals on the day were 94 yards on 13 rushes with one touchdown.{{Cite news |last=Weiszer |first=Marc |date=September 15, 2007 |title=Georgia hammers Western Carolina |language=en |work=Savannah Morning News |url=http://www.savannahnow.com/article/20070915/SPORTS/309159853 |access-date=August 29, 2018}}

Entering the Bulldogs' game against Vanderbilt, it was announced that Georgia's starting tailback Thomas Brown would be sidelined with a broken collarbone. Moreno was elevated to starting tailback in Brown's place and responded with 157 rushing yards in the narrow 20–17 victory.{{Cite web |title=Brandon Coutu Kicks No. 24 Georgia Past Vanderbilt 20–17 :: Georgia overcame a 10-point halftime deficit in the win |url=http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/101307afg.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209093938/http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/101307afg.html |archive-date=December 9, 2007 |access-date=August 29, 2018 |url-status=dead |website=CSTV}}

Following a bye week, he continued his impressive season with 188 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 33 carries as Georgia defeated its rival, Florida.{{Cite news |last=Thamel |first=Pete |author-link=Pete Thamel |date=October 31, 2008 |title=End Zone Incident Intensifies Georgia-Florida Rivalry |language=en |work=New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/01/sports/ncaafootball/01georgia.html |access-date=August 29, 2018}} Against Troy the next game, Moreno rushed for 196 yards, joining Herschel Walker as the only player in Georgia history to rush for 1,000 yards in his freshman season.{{Cite news |last=Odum |first=Charles |date=November 4, 2007 |title=Moreno scores 3 TDs as Georgia stops Troy |language=en-US |work=NewsOK.com |url=https://newsok.com/article/3163654/moreno-scores-3-tds-as-georgia-stops-troy |access-date=August 29, 2018}}

Moreno rushed for over 100 yards for the fifth straight game in leading the Georgia Bulldogs to a 24–13 victory over Kentucky while totaling 124 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.{{Cite news |date=November 24, 2007 |title=Georgia Overcomes TOs to Beat Kentucky |language=en-US |work=NewsOK.com |agency=Associated Press |url=https://newsok.com/article/3170450/georgia-overcomes-tos-to-beat-kentucky |access-date=August 29, 2018}} Moreno is the first Georgia tailback since Herschel Walker in 1982 to rush for over 100 yards in five straight games.

Through the first ten weeks of the 2007 season, Moreno was named the SEC Freshman of the Week three times and SEC Offensive Player of the Week once.{{Cite web |date=November 5, 2007 |title=Moreno named top SEC freshman for third time this season |url=http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=203696 |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=accessnorthga.com}} He was named onto the all-SEC first-team and was the unanimous SEC Freshman of the Year. He was the featured tailback on the Freshman All-American first-team and was named to the All-Freshman SEC team. Sporting News named him Freshman Offensive Player of the Year.

Moreno finished the season with 1,334 yards on 248 carries for 14 touchdowns. He also added 253 receiving yards on 20 receptions.{{Cite web |title=Knowshon Moreno 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/knowshon-moreno-1/gamelog/2007/ |access-date=August 29, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

File:Knowshon-8602.jpg

=2008 season=

Moreno began his sophomore campaign as a Heisman Trophy favorite. He opened the season with 59 yards on eight carries for three touchdowns and 53 yards on two receptions for a total of 112 yards and three touchdowns in the 45–21 win over Georgia Southern.{{Cite news |date=September 3, 2008 |title=Moreno, No. 1 Georgia beat Georgia Southern 45–21 |language=en-US |work=NewsOK.com |agency=Associated Press |url=https://newsok.com/article/3291066/moreno-no-1-georgia-beat-georgia-southern-45-21 |access-date=August 29, 2018}} He also had a tackle on a kickoff. In the following 56–17 win over Central Michigan, Moreno rushed 18 times for 168 yards and three touchdowns.{{Cite news |date=September 6, 2008 |title=COL FB: Georgia 56, Central Michigan 17 |language=en |work=UPI |url=https://www.upi.com/COL-FB-Georgia-56-Central-Michigan-17/99601220744303/ |access-date=August 29, 2018}} He also had three receptions for 30 yards, totaling 198 yards of total offense in the win.{{Cite web |title=Georgia Southern at Georgia Box Score, August 30, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-08-30-georgia.html |access-date=October 23, 2022 |website=Sports Reference}} In the SEC opener for the Bulldogs against South Carolina, Moreno had 20 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown in the 14–7 win.{{Cite web |title=Georgia at South Carolina Box Score, September 13, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-09-13-south-carolina.html |access-date=October 23, 2022 |website=Sports Reference}} Next, Moreno and the Bulldogs traveled to Arizona to defeat Arizona State 27–10, led by his 149 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries.{{Cite news |last=Thamel |first=Pete |author-link=Pete Thamel |date=September 21, 2008 |title=Georgia Sheds Its Conservative Image in Victory Against Arizona State |language=en |work=New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/sports/ncaafootball/21georgia.html |access-date=August 29, 2018}}

However, the Bulldogs' undefeated record was broken in a 41–30 loss to Alabama.{{Cite news |last=Glier |first=Ray |date=September 28, 2008 |title=Against Georgia, Rebuilt Alabama Unveils Its Power |language=en |work=New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/sports/ncaafootball/28alabama.html |access-date=August 29, 2018}} In the loss, Moreno was held to 34 yards and a score on 9 carries. It was the only game on the season in which he was held under 50 yards rushing and 50 yards of total offense. However, Moreno bounced back in the 26–14 win over Tennessee with 101 yards. However, he was held out of the endzone for the first time on the season.{{Cite news |date=October 11, 2008 |title=No. 10 Georgia tops Tennessee |language=en-US |work=HeraldNet.com |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/no-10-georgia-tops-tennessee |access-date=August 29, 2018}}

Georgia defeated Vanderbilt 24–14 to improve their record to 6–1, with Moreno rushing 23 times for a season-high 172 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite news |date=October 18, 2008 |title=COL FB: Georgia 24, Vanderbilt 14 |language=en |work=UPI |url=https://www.upi.com/COL-FB-Georgia-24-Vanderbilt-14/94441224365869 |access-date=August 29, 2018}} Moreno added onto his season totals in the 52–38 victory against LSU with 163 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Moreno's totals in the two-week effort was 335 yards and two touchdowns on only 44 carries.{{Cite news |date=October 26, 2008 |title=Georgia silences crowd and LSU, 52–38 |language=en-US |work=Los Angeles Times |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-oct-26-sp-lsu26-story.html |access-date=August 29, 2018 |issn=0458-3035}}

However, Georgia was handed their second conference loss in a 49–10 rout against eventual national champion Florida, in which Moreno was held to 65 yards on 17 carries.{{Cite news |last=Thamel |first=Pete |author-link=Pete Thamel |date=November 1, 2008 |title=Florida Gets Best Revenge by Routing Georgia |language=en |work=New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/sports/ncaafootball/02florida.html |access-date=August 29, 2018}} Moreno closed out the season strong with 410 yards rushing, 235 receiving and accounted for six touchdowns in the games against Kentucky, Auburn, Georgia Tech and Michigan State.{{Cite web |title=Knowshon Moreno 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/knowshon-moreno-1/gamelog/2008/ |access-date=August 29, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

He finished the 2008 season with 1,792 yards of total offense (1,400 rushing on 250 carries and 392 yards on 33 receptions) and scored 18 touchdowns (16 rushing, 2 receiving). He was named the team's offensive MVP. He finished second in Doak Walker award voting, behind Shonn Greene. He was named first-team All-SEC for the second consecutive year, and was a second-team All-American selection. On January 7, 2009, Moreno announced that he would enter the 2009 NFL draft. Just after being drafted Moreno signed an endorsement deal with McDavidUSA and Hexpad equipment.{{Cite web |title=Georgia's Stafford, Moreno to enter NFL draft |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/28539725/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111214439/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/28539725/ |archive-date=January 11, 2009 |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=NBC Sports}}

=College statistics=

class=wikitable style="text-align:center"
|

! colspan="5" style="background:#e7e3e7;"| Rushing

! colspan="5" style="background:#e7e3e7;"| Receiving

|YEAR

!|ATT

!|YDS

!|AVG

!|LNG

!|TD

!|NO.

!|YDS

!|AVG

!|LNG

!|TD

2006colspan=10| Redshirt
20072481,3345.480142025312.7350
20082501,4005.668163339211.9372
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/knowshon-moreno-1.html Total]4982,7345.580305364512.2372

Professional career

=Pre-draft=

Moreno was considered the best running back available in the 2009 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Brooks |first=Bucky |date=February 13, 2009 |title=LeSean McCoy, Knowshon Moreno lead 2009 NFL Draft RB prospects |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/bucky_brooks/02/12/rbs/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215060806/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/bucky_brooks/02/12/rbs/index.html |archive-date=February 15, 2009 |website=Sports Illustrated}}

{{nfl predraft

| height ft = 5

| height in = 10 5/8

| weight = 217

| dash = 4.50

| ten split = 1.64

| twenty split = 2.63

| shuttle = 4.27

| cone drill = 6.84

| vertical = 35.5

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 7

| bench = 25

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 30 3/4

| hand span = 10

| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/knowshon-moreno/32004d4f-5212-0768-1505-176f5549e1f9 |title=Knowshon Moreno Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=December 8, 2021}}{{Citation |title=Knowshon Moreno, Georgia, RB, 2009 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=65960&DraftYear=2009 |work=DraftScout.com |access-date=December 18, 2009}}

}}

=Denver Broncos=

File:Knowshon Moreno 2010.JPG

Moreno was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round with the 12th overall pick, which was their first of two first-round picks in the 2009 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2009 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/draft.htm |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was the first running back and the second of six Georgia Bulldogs to be selected that year.{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2009 |title=Total Of Six Georgia Players Chosen In Annual NFL Draft |url=https://georgiadogs.com/news/2009/4/26/Total_Of_Six_Georgia_Players_Chosen_In_Annual_NFL_Draft |access-date=August 29, 2018 |website=Georgia Bulldogs Athletics |language=en}} Moreno chose to wear the number 27 on his jersey, the same number used by the late Darrent Williams. He received permission from Williams's mother Rosalind. Moreno said he would honor the number, and volunteer at the Darrent Williams Teen Center.{{Cite web |last=Williamson |first=Bill |date=May 2, 2009 |title=Williams family OK's Moreno's request |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4126694 |access-date=May 3, 2009 |website=ESPN.com}}

On August 7, 2009, after an eight-day holdout, Moreno signed a five-year, $18.084 million contract with a $2.094 million club option for 2014. The deal included $14.2 million guaranteed and Moreno could earn an additional $6.3 million through incentives.{{Cite web |last=Klis |first=Mike |date=August 7, 2009 |title=Moreno agrees to five-year contract with Broncos |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2009/08/07/moreno-agrees-to-five-year-contract-with-broncos/ |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}} On September 27, 2009, Moreno scored his first career NFL touchdown with a seven-yard run against the Oakland Raiders.{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2009 |title=NFL: Broncos beat Raiders 23–3 for 3–0 start |url=https://www.deseret.com/2009/9/27/20343022/nfl-broncos-beat-raiders-23-3-for-3-0-start |access-date=August 29, 2018 |website=DeseretNews.com |language=en}} Overall, in the 2009 season, he had 947 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 213 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Knowshon Moreno 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoreKn00/gamelog/2009/ |access-date=August 29, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In the 2010 season, Moreno had 779 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, 372 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns in 13 games.{{Cite web |title=Knowshon Moreno 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoreKn00/gamelog/2010/ |access-date=August 29, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

During the 2011 season, Moreno split playing time with Willis McGahee. Moreno averaged a career-high 5.3 yards per carry. His season was cut short on November 15, 2011, when the Broncos placed Moreno on the IR after he tore his ACL against the Kansas City Chiefs finishing the season with 179 rushing yards and 1 total touchdown.{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2011 |title=Broncos' Moreno out for year with torn ACL |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7234670/knowshon-moreno-denver-broncos-year-torn-acl |access-date=August 29, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}

Moreno returned to the playing field for the 2012 season and ran for a seven-yard touchdown in the opening game win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.{{Cite web |last=Klis |first=Mike |date=September 9, 2012 |title=Peyton Manning leads Denver Broncos to strong first win over Steelers |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2012/09/09/peyton-manning-leads-denver-broncos-to-strong-first-win-over-steelers/ |access-date=August 29, 2018 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}} After he fumbled in the second game of the season against the Atlanta Falcons, Moreno was benched and was ruled inactive for eight straight weeks.{{Cite web |last=McLane |first=Jeff |date=January 27, 2014 |title=Moreno: From doghouse to go-to Bronco |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/eagles/20140128_Moreno__From_doghouse_to_go-to_Bronco.html |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=inquirer.com |language=en-US}} After Willis McGahee was placed on injured reserve with a leg and knee injury, Moreno was reactivated. Despite speculation that rookie Ronnie Hillman, McGahee's backup, would assume the starting role, Moreno was named the starting running back in the next game against the Kansas City Chiefs. In his first game back, Moreno put up solid numbers, rushing for 97 yards on 20 carries and recorded one touchdown while still catching four passes for 26 yards.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – November 25th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211250kan.htm |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Two games later in an away game against the Oakland Raiders, Moreno rushed for 135 yards on a career-high 32 carries and recorded a touchdown. He also had four catches for 48 yards in the game.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – December 6th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212060rai.htm |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the following game against the Baltimore Ravens, Moreno rushed for 115 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens – December 16th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212160rav.htm |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the game, he hurdled over an upright Ed Reed on a 20-yard rush. For that game against the Ravens, Moreno was named "AFC Offensive Player of the Week" and was named the "Fedex Ground Player of the Week." Overall, Moreno finished the 2012 season with 525 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go along with 21 receptions for 167 receiving yards.{{Cite web |title=Knowshon Moreno 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoreKn00/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Moreno continued his comeback into the 2013 season winning the starting running back job over frontrunners Ronnie Hillman and rookie Montee Ball. Moreno had a career-high 37 rushes for 224 yards against the New England Patriots in Week 12.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at New England Patriots – November 24th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311240nwe.htm |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During the Broncos' Week 16 win over the Houston Texans, Moreno became the first Bronco in franchise history to rush for over 1,000 yards and receive for over 500 yards in the same season.{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2013 |title=Knowshon Moreno surpasses 1K yards rushing for 1st time in career |url=http://www.milehighreport.com/2013/12/22/5236220/knowshon-moreno-surpasses-1k-yards-rushing-for-1st-time-in-career |access-date=December 22, 2013 |website=Mile High Report|publisher=SB Nation}} Moreno finished the 2013 season with 1038 rushing yards and ten rushing touchdowns to go along with 60 receptions for 548 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Knowshon Moreno 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoreKn00/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Moreno and the Broncos reached Super Bowl XLVIII, but lost 43–8 to the Seattle Seahawks. Moreno had five carries for 17 yards and 3 receptions for 20 yards in the loss.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XLVIII – Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos – February 2nd, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201402020den.htm |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

=Miami Dolphins=

On March 27, 2014, Moreno signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins worth $6 million.{{Cite web |date=March 27, 2014 |title=RB Knowshon Moreno signs 1-year deal with Dolphins |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2014/03/27/rb-knowshon-moreno-signs-1-year-deal-with-dolphins/ |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} In his debut with the Dolphins, despite not starting, he led the Dolphins to a 33–20 win over the New England Patriots, rushing for 134 yards on 24 carries.{{Cite web |last=Salguero |first=Armando |date=September 7, 2014 |title=Dolphins beat Patriots, 33–20 to take opener |url=http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2014/09/dolphins-beat-patriots-33-20-to-take-opener.html |access-date=September 8, 2014 |work=The Miami Herald}} On September 14, Moreno sustained a dislocated left elbow in a loss to the Buffalo Bills.{{Cite web |last=Abramson |first=Andrew |date=September 15, 2014 |title=With RB Knowshon Moreno hurt, Miami Dolphins re-sign Daniel Thomas |url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/sports/football/with-rb-knowshon-moreno-hurt-miami-dolphins-re-sig/nhNKn/ |access-date=September 18, 2014 |work=The Palm Beach Post}} In his Week 6 return against the Green Bay Packers, he would tear his ACL, ending his 2014 season and, ultimately, his NFL career.{{Cite web |last=Breech |first=John |date=October 15, 2014 |title=Knowshon Moreno tore his ACL, still stayed in for one more play |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/knowshon-moreno-tore-his-acl-still-stayed-in-for-one-more-play/ |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}} He put up 10 yards on six carries, with one reception going for eight yards, in a 27–24 losing effort that would be his final NFL game.{{Cite web |title=Green Bay Packers at Miami Dolphins – October 12th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410120mia.htm |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Moreno finished the season with 148 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Knowshon Moreno 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoreKn00/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

NFL career statistics

class="wikitable"

! colspan="2"| Legend

Bold

| Career high

class=wikitable style="text-align:center;"

! rowspan=2|Year !! rowspan=2|Team !! colspan=2|Games !! colspan=5|Rushing !! colspan=5|Receiving

! colspan=2|Fumbles

GPGSAttYdsAvgLngTDRecYdsAvgLngTDFumLost
2009DEN

| 16 || 9 || 247 || 947 || 3.8 || 36 || 7 || 28 || 213 || 7.6 || 27 || 2 || 4 || 4

2010DEN

| 13 || 13 || 182 || 779 || 4.3 || 35 || 5 || 37 || 372 || 10.1 || 45 || 3 || 3 || 2

2011DEN

| 7 || 2 || 37 || 179 || 4.8 || 24 || 0 || 11 || 101 || 9.2 || 28T || 1 || 1 || 1

2012DEN

| 8 || 6 || 138 || 525 || 3.8 || 20 || 4 || 21 || 167 || 8.0 || 26 || 0 || 1 || 1

2013DEN

| 16 || 15 || 241 || 1,038 || 4.3 || 31 || 10 || 60 || 548 || 9.1 || 35T || 3 || 1 || 0

2014MIA

| 3 || 0 || 31 || 148 || 4.8 || 36 || 1 || 1 || 8 || 8 || 8.0 || 0 || 0 || 0

colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoreKn00.htm Total] || 63 || 45 || 876 || 3,616 || 4.1 || 36 || 27 || 158 || 1,409 || 8.9 || 45 || 9 || 10 || 8

Personal life

Knowshon's first name is a portmanteau of his father's nickname, Knowledge, and his mother's name, Varashon.{{Cite news |last=Kensler |first=Tom |date=April 26, 2009 |title=Broncs introduce 1st-rounders |work=Denver Post |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_12232622 |access-date=March 27, 2020}}

Moreno is a Christian. Moreno has spoken about his faith after he was seen crying after "The Star-Spangled Banner" before a 2013 game saying, "During the anthem it's always quiet and still, so I take in the moment and say a little prayer... I thank the Lord for letting me play the game. I thank Him for everything. I run through my whole life right there at that moment. Even the bad stuff."

{{Clear}}

References

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